Aesop | Greece

The Cat and the Rooster

A sly Cat plans to eat a chatty Rooster, disregarding the Rooster's explanation of his helpful role in waking the farmers.

The Cat and the Rooster
Text Version

Once upon a time in a cozy little farm, there lived a sly Cat and a chatty Rooster. They were as different as night and day. The Cat liked to nap all day and roam around all night, while the Rooster was awake at the break of dawn, welcoming the morning with his loud, cheerful crows.

One sunny morning, the Cat felt especially hungry. He spotted the Rooster strutting around in the farmyard and thought that the bird would make a delicious breakfast. Quietly, he sneaked up to the Rooster, leapt, and snatched him.

Before the Cat could have his meal, he decided to ask the Rooster a question. "Why do you insist on making such a loud noise when the moon is high and the world is asleep? Your crowing disturbs everyone," he said, trying to sound stern.

The Rooster, even though caught, was not scared. He looked the Cat right in the eyes and replied, "I don't crow to disturb, but to help. I wake the farmers early so they can start their work. The early morning is the best time to sow seeds and gather crops, to feed the cows and milk them. I am simply doing my duty."

But the Cat only shook his head and said, "Your answer seems like a poor excuse. You must think I'm gullible to believe that your noise is anything more than a bother. I'm afraid your explanation won't stop you from becoming my breakfast."

And so, despite the Rooster's earnest attempt to explain his role, the Cat wouldn't listen. He was too focused on his breakfast to care about anything else.

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The Cat and the Rooster